]]>Who needs the Oscars? Quicken Loans has rolled out the red carpet for its returning clients, adding cinematic levels of benefits for you and your next home. Whether you’re transplanting the family to a warmer climate or just investing in real estate, we’ve created a reel of exciting incentives to make your sequel mortgage (“Quicken Loans 2: You Only Move Twice”) the best possible experience it can be. And you deserve it. Between the packing, finding the perfect house and changing mailing addresses, moving can be a difficult process. And you’ve done this all before – you’re a veteran home buyer. So sit back, grab some popcorn and let Quicken Loans shower you with these amazing perks.

VIP: The Gold Card

Returning clients will receive the Hollywood treatment with the Quicken Loans Gold Card, which is good for up to $1,000 off your next purchase with Quicken Loans. Whatever plans you have, whether you want to move to that townhouse in Telluride or jump into the rental game in Detroit, this will be a great way to save on closing costs.

Cut to the Front of the Line at the Snack Bar

Your time is a hot commodity, so Quicken Loans can prepare your preapproval in minutes. We may even be able to close your loan in just a matter of weeks. This will give you more leverage when bidding on your new home – a perk that’s sure to leave you feeling relaxed and focused on your move.

Roll Credits

Returning clients are eligible to receive this wide range of benefits, so call (888) 670-1781 to speak with a Home Loan Expert today. Quicken Loans will evaluate your situation and find the best financing option for you. Give us a call when you’re ready to get started!

]]>http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/star-studded-benefits-for-returning-quicken-loans-clients/feed0One Out of Three Americans Spend Too Much on Rent – Are You One?http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/americans-spend-rent
http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/americans-spend-rent#commentsFri, 30 May 2014 18:57:02 +0000http://zingadmin.mi.corp.rockfin.com/blog/?p=57639Renting a house used to be a popular choice over buying because it was cheap. That doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. In fact, one out of three Americans now live in a housing market where rent for a three-bedroom home is more than 30% of their monthly median income, according to RealityTrac.

Renting a house used to be a popular choice over buying because it was cheap. That doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. In fact, 1 out of 3 Americans now live in a housing market where rent for a 3-bedroom home is more than 30% of their monthly median income, according to RealityTrac.

This is especially true in the Bronx, where the typical household spends approximately 66% of their monthly income to rent a 3-bedroom house. Troublesome trends are also taking place in other cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore and Miami.

So why do people continue to rent, you ask? Years of economic uncertainty have scared many potential buyers. With that, the demand for rentals has skyrocketed, while the cost to rent has done the same. With renting costs so high, people are left having to cut back spending on food, health care and retirement.

Do you think you may be spending too much on rent? For starters, it’s recommended you spend no more than 30% of the total household income. If you’re currently renting and curious as to the average other renters in your area are paying, take a look at RentOMeter.com. All you have to do is type in your address, how much you pay per month and the number of bedrooms. In a matter of seconds, you’ll see what the average rent is within a certain distance from your home, based on the number of bedrooms. With that, you can better gauge how good (or bad) of a deal you’re actually getting.

If you’ve already signed a lease, there isn’t much you can do to get out of your situation. However, if you’re in the process of looking for a new home, use RentOMeter to get a better understanding of what a typical rental costs before you actually look at individual homes. You can try to use the figures as a bargaining piece and possibly lower the monthly payment.

While it’s becoming increasingly more expensive to rent, you could consider buying a home. To get a closer look at what is best for your situation, take a look at this New York Times article about renting versus buying. After punching in a few numbers, your information is calculated and you’ll find out if you’re in a better situation to rent or buy.

Does anyone out there have any tips on how to avoid spending more than you can afford on rent? Let us know in the comments below!

]]>http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/americans-spend-rent/feed0Understanding and Managing Credit 101 – Zing Education Series Guidehttp://www.quickenloans.com/blog/understanding-managing-credit-101
http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/understanding-managing-credit-101#commentsThu, 08 May 2014 21:32:55 +0000http://ec2-54-84-170-226.compute-1.amazonaws.com/blog/?p=57014We created our latest guide, Understanding and Managing Credit 101, as part of our Zing Education Series. We want to provide you with the information and tools you’ll need to keep great credit and qualify for the best possible mortgage rates. Here at Quicken Loans, we call that a win-win.

That’s why we created our latest guide, Understanding and Managing Credit 101, as part of our Zing Education Series. We want to provide you with the information and tools you’ll need to keep great credit and qualify for the best possible mortgage rates.

Understanding and Managing Credit 101

Our goal with this new guide is to make sure you are familiar with all the basics around credit and know what to do to keep your credit excellent or improve it, based on your financial situation. We included the following sections in our guide:

Credit 101: A Crash Course in Understanding Credit

Report Cards Are In: Credit Reports Are the Financial Report Card for Adults

]]>http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/understanding-managing-credit-101/feed0Moving Soon? Here are Seven Tips from Moving Help Expertshttp://www.quickenloans.com/blog/moving-tips-moving-experts
http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/moving-tips-moving-experts#commentsMon, 07 Apr 2014 19:08:57 +0000http://ec2-54-84-170-226.compute-1.amazonaws.com/blog/?p=56105Buying a new home is an exciting time. However, moving can be difficult and stressful. To help you with your move, our friends at MovingHelp.com have compiled a list of seven tips that will help make the process as easy and stress free as possible. From asking for help to avoiding procrastination, this list should put you on the right track!

David LoPresti is the director of MovingHelp.com, an online marketplace that connects customers to local, customer-rated Moving Helpers. We help customers shop and compare moving laborers that provide a variety of labor services including loading, unloading, packing and more. Learn more at MovingHelp.com.

You’ve decided it’s time to make the jump and move to a new home. Before you embark on your moving adventure, keep some of the tips below in mind:

Don’t Procrastinate

From renting your moving truck to packing, don’t wait until the last minute. They say it’s better to be over-prepared above all. This couldn’t be truer when it comes to moving. Reserve your moving truck at least a month ahead of time. Don’t forget to notify the important companies of your change of address. Be sure to make all proper arrangements in advance to ensure a smoother move.

Ask for Help

Moving is a stressful event, and the more hands available, the better. Friends and family are always the go-to for help, and if they are available, make sure to have plenty of food and drink on hand to keep them hydrated and comfortable. If you don’t have enough help, consider hiring labor to help with the loading and unloading of your moving truck.

Purge While Packing

You’ll find while you’re packing that it may be time to get rid of some clutter before moving to your new home. Efficiently purge unnecessary items by setting aside some items for a yard sale or to donate to your local charity. If you think you may need some of these items in the future but not in your new home, put them in storage!

Learn to Load a Moving Truck

Remember to put the heavier items on bottom to keep them from falling on lighter items and damaging them. You can also load the truck in tiers and cells, tying each cell off before continuing to load. This will keep your items in place and prevent them from sliding while in transit.

Pack the Essentials Separately

Pack an overnight bag for your first night in your new home. Many items may not be unpacked in time for the first couple nights in your new place. Some items you’ll want in your overnight bag include bath towels, toothpaste and toothbrush, toilet paper, makeup, phone chargers, prescription medication and a change of clothes. Be sure to keep your first aid kit available for any accidents.

Go One Room at a Time

Whether you’re packing or unpacking, save yourself the headache and take it one room at a time. This will help you stay organized throughout your move and will make finding items much easier. Don’t forget to label your boxes with the contents and the room destination!

Stay on Schedule

Stay on top of your moving day schedule by confirming all reservations and arrangements beforehand. Call and double check that your moving truck is available for pick up on time. Setting reminders for yourself in your phone and making lists are great ways to keep your move efficient.

Have any other tips? Share them with the other readers in the comments below!

]]>http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/moving-tips-moving-experts/feed1First-Time Home Buyer Q&A: What Are the Advantages of an FHA Loan?http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/firsttime-home-buyer-qa-advantages-fha-loan
http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/firsttime-home-buyer-qa-advantages-fha-loan#commentsThu, 23 Jan 2014 15:56:21 +0000http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/?p=52304An FHA mortgage is insured by the Federal Housing Administration and has less strict qualification guidelines for the homeowner. This and much more are discussed in our First-Time Home Buyer

First times can be thrilling and terrifying all at once. Your first time home alone, your first time driving alone, your first day of college or a new job, your first kiss, your first time … you get the point.

Your first time buying a home is definitely no exception. You’ll finally have your own place with your own rules. You don’t have to be quiet for the people upstairs or downstairs (or be kept up by their noise), you can decorate and landscape exactly how you want, you have more space and more privacy, you (hopefully) now have a garage and, best of all, you can run around in your own backyard in your underwear… well, maybe.

Anyways, at Quicken Loans, we know how exciting and scary buying your first home can be, so we organized a First-Time Home Buyer Q&A Google Hangout to answer a lot of questions you might have as you go through the process.

This is one of the many great tools Quicken Loans offers to make your home purchase even easier. Another one is our Mortgage First program. Instead of the traditional preapproval, Mortgage First completely underwrites your loan, pending property qualification. Having your loan ready to go when you’re house hunting gives you a great edge in the competitive real estate market.

What Are the Benefits of an FHA Mortgage?

Julie Shaffer, director of the FHA Philadelphia Homeownership Center, explains that one of the biggest benefits is the down payment required: only 3.5% of the loan’s value. And, you can use money gifted to you from a friend, family member or employer, or a grant to make the down payment.

The FHA, Shaffer says, also allows non-occupying co-borrowers on the loan, so your parents or someone else can cosign your mortgage to help you get started.

Mike Berris, a Quicken Loans director of relocation mortgage banking, says another reason an FHA mortgage is so flexible is because it has relaxed credit requirements so it’s easier to get a loan with a somewhat lower credit score than usual.

Keep in mind, of course, that individual lenders often have their own guidelines in addition to the FHA’s regulations, so you’ll want to check to see exactly how your lender provides FHA mortgages.

Now that you’ve got a better understanding of FHA mortgages, we hope your first-time home buying experience will be all excitement and no stress.

If you still have some questions about FHA loans, Mortgage First, or anything else relating to your home, let us know in the comments!

]]>http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/firsttime-home-buyer-qa-advantages-fha-loan/feed1First-Time Home Buyer: Should My Real Estate Agent Recommend a Mortgage Lender?http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/should-my-real-estate-agent-recommend-lender
http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/should-my-real-estate-agent-recommend-lender#commentsTue, 07 Jan 2014 22:15:26 +0000http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/?p=45723Purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial decisions someone can make in their life, obviously. It’s a gigantic change – physically, emotionally and financially. That’s why Quicken Loans held another Google Hangout to answer questions for curious home buyers. This time we focused on first-time home buyers and the questions they may have surrounding anything and everything regarding the topic of buying a home. Today’s question: Is there a conflict of interest if a real estate agent recommends a mortgage lender?

]]>Purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial decisions someone can make in their life, obviously. It’s a gigantic change – physically, emotionally and financially. That’s why Quicken Loans held another Google Hangout to answer questions for curious home buyers. This time we focused on first-time home buyers and the questions they may have surrounding anything and everything regarding the topic of buying a home. Today’s question: Is there a conflict of interest if a real estate agent recommends a mortgage lender?

According to the panel: No.

In short, a real estate agent will never direct a buyer to a lender who is not going to get the job done. That would not bode well for the agent’s credibility. Agent’s often partner with different lenders to ensure that their client closes on their mortgage on time.

]]>http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/should-my-real-estate-agent-recommend-lender/feed0Mortgage and Real Estate Predictions for 2014http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/mortgage-real-estate-predictions-2014
http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/mortgage-real-estate-predictions-2014#commentsMon, 23 Dec 2013 19:38:47 +0000http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/?p=45327Really great article in the New York Times last Friday about what Americans can expect in the upcoming year. Well, what they can expect when it comes to mortgages and home buying to be precise. Overall, the news is pretty good for home buyers, who can expect to get more home for their buck and lenders making getting a mortgage just a little easier as restrictions loosen.

Really great article in the New York Times last Friday about what Americans can expect in the upcoming year. Well, what they can expect when it comes to mortgages and home buying to be precise. Overall, the news is pretty good for home buyers, who can expect to get more home for their buck and lenders making getting a mortgage just a little easier as restrictions loosen.

However, the news isn’t all good. Mortgage rates are expected to continue their slow rise over the next year as the Fed slows down it’s economic stimulus programs. The article predicts 30-year rates will rise above 5% for the first time since 2010. Although that is still near the lower end of historic lows, it’s not exactly something we all welcome with open arms. But it’s probably coming, so anyone who wants to refinance or buy a home isn’t doing themselves any favors by waiting.

I’ll summarize the four main points of the article:

Mortgage Rates Continue to Climb

A strengthening economy and the slowdown of the gov’s economic stimulus mean one thing – mortgage rates on the rise. While the lowest rates may be gone forever, rates are still pretty darn low and offer great value to any who hasn’t refinanced yet or wants to buy a home in 2014.

Lenders Loosen Up, a Little

Competition will be fierce for business in a market with rising rates and that means lenders will fight to get their piece of the pie. It will be interesting to see how this plays out, but there could be a slight change in minimum credit scores, minimum loan-to-value and minimum debt-to-income.

Homeownership Rates Flatten or Fall

Despite an improving economy, homeownership rates will level off as renting becomes more attractive, especially to younger Americans entering the home market.

ARMS and Cash-Out Refinancing Make a Comeback

Say it ain’t so. The often-maligned adjustable rate mortgage will become a more popular choice in this next year. And cash-out refinancing will also renter our vocabulary in 2014, after nearly disappearing for the past five years. Why? Because mortgage rates and home values are on the rise. Both make ARMs and cash-out refis are a great choice for homeowners. You’ll be hearing a lot about both in the upcoming year. You can bet on that.

That’s the list. Read the full article here (as a bonus, you’ll get to read some quotes and commentary from Quicken Loans Chief Economist Bob Walters). Do you agree with these predictions? What do you think?

]]>http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/mortgage-real-estate-predictions-2014/feed0Buying and Selling Homes in 2014: A More Balanced Markethttp://www.quickenloans.com/blog/buying-selling-homes-2014
http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/buying-selling-homes-2014#commentsMon, 23 Dec 2013 14:39:07 +0000http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/?p=453032013 has seen some major economic events, and balance probably isn’t the first word most people would think of to describe them. However, there’s some balance coming in 2014…to the housing market, at least. A recent article on CNNMoney discusses how the housing market is shifting and will provide more opportunities for both buyers and sellers, as long as you’re a savvy player in the game.

2013 has seen some major economic events, and balance probably isn’t the first word most people would think of to describe them. However, there’s some balance coming in 2014…to the housing market, at least.

A recent article on CNNMoney discusses how the housing market is shifting and will provide more opportunities for both buyers and sellers, as long as you’re a savvy player in the game.

Buyers and Sellers Balancing Act

While housing inventory is up, it’s still a seller’s market because the supply is lower than normal – about 15% lower than the historical average. There are more homes available than last year, but we’re still recovering from the lows of several years ago.

One definite improvement for anyone looking to purchase a home is that, as the market slowly recovers, distressed home sales, from things like foreclosures and short sales, have decreased; there are less cheap steals out there for investors. When home prices were really low, home buyers, especially first-time buyers, would often lose out to investors.

At this point, it might seem like we’re just seesawing here: There’s this advantage but there’s that change to balance it out, etc. That’s actually a good thing, though: “For a sustainable recovery you want to see more balance between buyers and sellers,” CoreLogic Case-Shiller’s chief economist David Stiff explains on CNNMoney.

Tips for Buying and Selling

So more balance is a good thing, but you still need to know how to navigate the changing real estate market.

Don’t wait to buy. If you’re ready to move and you’ve found the house, jump on it. Mortgage interest rates are predicted to rise above 5% in 2014.

Closing quickly will be important. With volume still low and prices slowly rising, sellers aren’t as desperate to sell their homes, but you have to compete with other buyers.

One way to close your mortgage fast is with the Mortgage First program, exclusively from Quicken Loans. Both real estate agents and sellers will be very excited to see a buyer who is already approved for a loan – that part of the process alone can often take weeks.

Make a low but realistic offer on a house. There’s enough demand that the seller won’t be desperate to take whatever you offer.

Remodeling could be a good idea.Home equity loan rates are lower than they’ve been in a while, and some modest improvements could significantly boost your home’s value.

Accurately price your home the first time. It doesn’t matter what you think or feel your home is worth or how much you’ve put into it. Buyers are more educated these days; don’t waste your time or theirs by fighting for an unrealistic price. Ultimately, all that matters is what the home appraises for.

It’s been a crazy ride on the economic train in 2013, and while 2014 will hopefully be a smoother ride, there’s going to be a fair amount of back and forth in the housing market scale – so make sure you’re prepared.

Are there any other questions you have that we didn’t answer here? Let us know in the comments!

]]>http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/buying-selling-homes-2014/feed0VA Loan Q&A: What’s the Difference Between a Realtor and a Real Estate Agent?http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/va-loan-whats-difference-betweenrealtor-real-estate-agent
http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/va-loan-whats-difference-betweenrealtor-real-estate-agent#commentsWed, 18 Dec 2013 21:41:47 +0000http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/?p=45166Do you use the terms “realtor” and “real estate agent” interchangeably? A lot of people do, but there’s actually a distinct difference between the two. During our VA Loan Q&A Google Hangout, Margo Willis and Nick Mannis of the National Association of Realtors® let us in on the professional differences between realtors and agents.

Do you use the terms “realtor” and “real estate agent” interchangeably? A lot of people do, but there’s actually a distinct difference between the two. During our VA Loan Q&A Google Hangout, Margo Willis and Nick Mannis of the National Association of Realtors® let us in on the professional differences between realtors and agents.

Did you know that not all agents are technically realtors? Realtors get their title by belonging to a trade association. The National Association of Realtors® has its own models and code of ethics, which Mannis says are held at a very high standard.

A big perk of officially belonging to the National Association of Realtors® is that realtors get to attend several trade shows every year, where they can network with other professionals and educate themselves on new developments in the market.

A good way to tell if you’re working with a realtor instead of an agent is to look for the trademarked “®” they use in their title. Willis urges you to find comfort in the fact that not only do realtors follow a strict code of ethics, they’re also “advocates for homeowners and homeownership, and all of the benefits that derive from that.”

Watch exactly what they had to say in the video below!

VA Loan Q & A Are More Veterans Using VA Loans Quicken Loans and the Department of VA

]]>http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/va-loan-whats-difference-betweenrealtor-real-estate-agent/feed0Hottest 2014 Building Materials Are Energy-Efficient and Sustainablehttp://www.quickenloans.com/blog/hottest-2014-building-materials-energyefficient-sustainable
http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/hottest-2014-building-materials-energyefficient-sustainable#commentsTue, 17 Dec 2013 20:36:49 +0000http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/?p=45112As builders and remodeling contractors look ahead to 2014, what materials are they likely to choose? Of the new building products cited by architects, builders, designers, and marketers as the ones to watch in 2014, many are technically not "new." They are materials and products that have been on the market but are just catching on or are long-time favorites with enough staying power to remain top choices for 2014. What most of them have in common, however, are two things: energy-efficiency and sustainability.

Iris Price is a single Baby Boomer whose antidote to a lack of retirement funds was to launch a long-delayed career as a writer. While others her age concoct bucket lists and travel the world, she bought a new-construction home and obsessively creates lists of must-have home improvements and personal realization goals. She specializes in writing about home services and self-motivation.

As builders and remodeling contractors look ahead to 2014, what materials are they likely to choose? Of the new building products cited by architects, builders, designers, and marketers as the ones to watch in 2014, many are technically not “new.” They are materials and products that have been on the market but are just catching on or are long-time favorites with enough staying power to remain top choices for 2014. What most of them have in common, however, are two things: energy-efficiency and sustainability.

Classic Choices Throughout the Home

Mayer Dahan, CEO of Prime Five Homes, a West Hollywood home-building team of designers, architects, and builders, says they provide their clients with “the most innovative designs and materials on the market.” But are these products new? Not exactly. They use a lot of recycled and reclaimed wood for architectural details throughout their homes, such as giant doors. They also favor Duchateau’s new wood flooring with Old World styling, sourced from renewable forests.

One product, a home element that has been around for millennia and that they expect to use more of this coming year, are mosaics from Ann Sacks, which Dahan says they “believe [will] make waves in 2014…the green elements these products have can mix beautifully to form one single color and texture scheme. Ann Sacks tilesare able to provide a traditional and modern approach to their products and it’s something all homes need.”

Another product they will continue using in 2014 is CaesarStone, an engineered countertop material that has been around for a almost a decade. Made from 93% natural quartz with added pigments and polymer resins, CaesarStone’s countertops, Dahan says are “classic and natural.” At Prime Five they “adore the environmental and aesthetic appeal [CaesarStone’s] products bring.”

More Efficient Building Materials for Walls

If you are looking for something less about finishing touches and more about structure — and for something truly revolutionary and state-of-the-art — Laura Davis, Vice President and Director of Marketing for HPD Architecture LLC in Dallas, says ThermaSteel™ is the product her company will be specifying for projects in 2014. The ThermaSteel™ website calls this building component the “final frontier of construction technology.” Used as a replacement for traditional wood framing, it’s very durable and comprises, as Davis puts it, “the structure, sound and thermal insulation, sheathing, and vapor barrier in one light-weight product. It also installs quickly and saves money on materials and labor compared to conventional wood framing.”

While ThermaSteel™ is completely recyclable, it can still survive earthquakes and hurricanes and elude the ravages of termites, rot, and decay while remaining for decades in exactly the same condition as the day it was installed.

For your home’s exterior, Nashville architect Ryan Thewes is keen on ZIP System® panels from Huber, an exterior cladding system for both the walls and roof that includes its own weather-resistant barrier, eliminating the need to install a separate layer of housewrap. It replaces the plywood and sheathing and installs in two steps: put up the panels and tape the seams. The installed product keeps moisture out and reduces air leakage for a more energy-efficient home.

Zip System’s® newest product, the R-system, includes foam insulation that can increase a building’s R-value to meet the latest codes and reduce thermal bridging around wall studs for even more energy-efficiency. According to Thewes, the new Zip System™ R-product is meeting with some resistance because of its high price. “Unfortunately, the Zip Panel R is still very expensive, but hopefully once people start realizing its value, the price will come down making it a more affordable option.”

When you are talking about “new” in the building industry, change can be slow in coming and often takes place mostly in response to changes in building codes. Inventories need to be used up and, as may be the case with Thewes’ favorite insulated wall system, prices must come down a bit before new products are cost-effective enough to be embraced by builders, home buyers and homeowners.

Whatever the reason for slow acceptance of the latest home-building technology, the direction is clear. The products to beat for best new building and remodeling materials not just for 2014 but for years to come are going to be the ones that save you energy and money for as long as you own your home.

Are you building a home in 2014? Share your building approach with the readers below!